Two men are sharing their stories of depression at the Roundhouse Community Centre April 16, in an attempt to “pull this thing out of the closet” and have a relevant, open conversation.
Barry Jonas Samson and Darren Hepple are not trained professionals in the field of mental health, but have experienced their own battles with the illness. Their event, Depression Confessions, will explore why depression is powerful, to what degree depression is a choice, what interventions worked for them and other ideas related to depression. They will also share their histories.
“Stigma and secrecy are not serving anyone,” said Samson. “Powerful stories are powerful things for both the teller and the listener.”
He expects an engaged, curious audience and hopes courageous questions will be asked so everyone in the room will feel and learn something.
This event is just one of many posted at various community centres across the city in support of groups dedicated to those living with depression or for relatives of depressed individuals. Emotion Anonymous is just one group dedicated to helping.
A 2013, B.C. Ministry of Health guide said four per cent of Canadians will experience depression in any given year and while the cause is not fully known, it can be treated. According to the report, depression is not caused by being weak or having a bad attitude.
Samson has told his story many times, which makes listeners feel more comfortable in telling theirs.
“It is like a green light for them to be fully known and be vulnerable.”
What he’s hoping to learn from this experience is whether this format will encourage learning, empowerment and healing. If it does, Samson and Hepple would like to see more similar events.
When it comes to negative or harmful feedback, Samson said, “It is my hope that some people in the audience will challenge us on our own experiences and our own perspectives... I have about 14 years of personal growth, leadership and facilitation training behind me and what I have come to know is that all feedback has a message and sometimes the toughest feedback is where the gold is.”
It will be a safe place to express oneself, Samson said.
“We fully expect there to be emotion in the room — that is the whole idea. If people feel angry, sad or inspired, I will see that as a success.”
According to the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of B.C., the province’s suicide rates have remained at roughly 500 per year.
The report noted approximately 11 people will end their lives by suicide today in Canada and four out of five people who die by suicide will have made at least one previous attempt.
The report added, suicide and mental health problems are deeply connected.
“It is estimated that 90 per cent of people who die by suicide were experiencing a mental health problem or illness,” the report reads in part.
Advice from the B.C. Health Guide recommends if at any point a person feels like ending their life, they should seek medical help immediately.
To talk to someone today, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) anywhere in B.C.
To register for the Yaletown event, email [email protected]. Depression Confessions takes place April 16 from 6:45 to 9:55 p.m. The centre is located at 181 Roundhouse Mews.
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